2012 community consultation report-final filethe 2012 community engagement strategy reviewed and...

INFORMING THE FAIRFIELD CITY PLAN2012 - 2022

COMMUNITYCONSULTATION

REPORT 2012

COMMUNITYSTRATEGICPLAN

AT A GLANCE

The Local Government Integrated Planning and Reporting (IPR) Framework aims to ensure a more sustainable Local Government sector. All NSW Councils are now required to develop a Community Strategic Plan (10 years) along with a Delivery Program (4 years) and Operational Plan (1 year). These documents are informed by a Resourcing Strategy (10 years) that is made up of a Long Term Financial Plan, Asset Management Strategy and Workforce Management Plan.

In order to achieve the integration envisaged by the IPR framework, there is an alignment between the Fairfield City Plan, Resourcing Strategy, Delivery Program and the Operational Plan. This alignment is formed through the five themes identified by the community in the Fairfield City Plan:

• Theme 1: Community Wellbeing

• Theme 2: Places and Infrastructure

• Theme 3: Environmental Sustainability

• Theme 4: Local Economy and Employment

• Theme 5: Good Governance and Leadership

Council is required to prepare and implement a Community Engagement Strategy to assist in the review and development of the Fairfield City Plan - Community Strategic Plan. The Community Engagement Strategy outlines the principles, guidelines and actions Council will undertake in order to ensure that the community’s long term aspirations and priorities for the City are defined in the Fairfield City Plan.

Fairfield City Council is currently developing the Fairfield City Plan for 2012-2022. The Plan lists the community’s Vision and goals for the City, including those issues that are the job of the Federal and State Governments and the not for profit and private sectors.

The 2012 Community Engagement Strategy reviewed and validated the identified Vision, Themes and Goals ensuring community concerns and aspirations for the future of Fairfield City are re-affirmed and contained in the Fairfield City Plan 2012-2022.

Developed by: Integrated Planning and Reporting (IPR) UnitFairfield City [email protected]

2 COMMUNITYSTRATEGICPLAN

COMMUNITYSTRATEGICPLAN 3

CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION 41.1 Background 4

1.2 Purose of Report 6

1.3 Report Strucure 7

2. METHODOLOGY 8

2.1 The Survey 8

2.2 The Focus Groups 9

3. FINDINGS 103.1 Demographic Characteristics 10

3.2 Fairfi eld City Vision 13

3.3 The Priorities 14

3.4 The Goals 16 Theme 1 Community Wellbeing 17 Theme 2 Places and Infrastructure 18 Theme 3 Environmental Sustainability 19 Theme 4 Local Economy and Employment 20 Theme 5 Good Governance and Leadership 21

4. SUMMARY OF OUTCOME 22

Attachment A - Survey Form 23Attachment B - Focus Group Note Taking Form 25

1.1 BACKGROUND

The Integrated Planning and Reporting (IPR) Framework (Local Government Amendment: Planning and Reporting Act 2009) aims to improve Council’s long term community, fi nancial and asset planning. This approach acknowledges Local Government’s unique position as the only agency with an interest in all aspects of Fairfi eld City. It formalises the role of Council as the key advocate for the community in relation to all issues.

The IPR Framework requires Council to develop a:

• Fairfield City Plan - Community Strategic Plan: 10 year plan identifying the community’s main priorities andaspirations

• Delivery Program: 4 year program identifying Council’s commitment during its term of office

• Operational Plan: 1 year plan outlining Council’s activities and budget

• Annual Report: Produced annually reporting on Council’s progress on achieving the desired community outcomesThis report also includes the State of the Environment Report

• Community Strategic Plan: The Legislation requires Council to take leadership for the development of a Community Strategic Plan (Fairfield City Plan) which covers all aspects of the Local Government Area (LGA), including those issues that are the responsibility of the Federal and State Governments, the not-

for-profit and private sectors.

1. INTRODUCTION


Fairfi eld City Council adopted the 2012 Community Engagement Strategy which embraced a range of engagement methods to ensure that residents and key stakeholders are heard and involved in the ongoing delivery and monitoring of the Fairfi eld City Plan.

The Objectives of the Community Engagement Strategy are:

• Involve the Fairfield Community, including ‘hard to reach’ groups in the development of the Fairfield City Plan 2012-2022

• Review/update/validate the finding of the 2010 Community Consultations

• Ensure community engagement methods support the social justice principles and that they meet the needs of the Fairfield community

• Ensure that community concerns and aspirations for the future of Fairfield City are contained in the Fairfield City Plan and guide future decisions about Fairfield City

• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the Community Engagement Strategy.


1.2 PURPOSE OF REPORT

In 2010, Council undertook a comprehensive consultation to inform the Fairfi eld City Plan 2010-2020. This involved surveys (both residents and businesses), a series of focus groups with residents, government departments, community organisations, schools and youth representatives, a web feedback form and youth event. 1775 residents took the opportunity to have a say on what they felt was important to the community and where they believe Fairfi eld City should be heading.

Fairfi eld City Council is currently developing the Fairfi eld City Plan for 2012-2022. The Plan lists the community’s Vision and Goals for the City, including those issues that are the job of the Federal and State Governments and the not for profi t and private sectors.

Best things we like about Fairfi eld City1. Diversity and

Multicultural2. Proximity and Location3. Amenity and Services4. Friendly People and

Family5. Shopping6. Food7. Parks, Open Space and

Bike Paths8. Community and

Community Services9. Affordable10. Public Transport

The Priorities which will help us achieve our Vision 1. Less Crime and Feeling

Safe2. More Employment

Opportunities3. More Activities for Youth4. Better Health Services5. More Activities for

Children6. Less Rubbish Dumping7. Better Public Transport8. More Parking9. Cleaner Environment10. Access to Schools/

University/ Colleges and Tafe

WHAT WE SAID

The things we would change1. City to be more Clean and Tidy2. Increased Community Safety3. Improved Parking4. Improved Public Transport5. Improved Shopping Choice

6. Improved Parks and more Open Space7. Reduced Traffi c8. More Activities for Children and Youth9. Improved Fairfi eld CBD10. Improved Roads

1. A Clean and Attractive Place to live2. Less Crime and more Police3. Trains and Buses that connect4. Improved Shopping Centres5. More Car Parks

6. Community Spirit and Integrated Community

7. Lots of Parks, Open Space and Cycleways

The things we would like to see in Fairfi eld City by 2020


The IPR Framework usually requires the Fairfi eld City Plan to be reviewed every four years. However, due to the introduction of the Legislation, this time, the review is required in a two year timeframe. Due to the 2010 comprehensive consultations occurring with community members, it was proposed to primarily use focus groups and on-line surveys as the main ways of engaging with the community to confi rm and update the Fairfi eld City Plan 2012-2022.

The 2012 Community Engagement Strategy reviewed and validated the identifi ed Vision, Themes and Goals ensuring community concerns and aspirations for the future of Fairfi eld City are re-affi rmed and contained in the Fairfi eld City Plan 2012-2022.

ARE THE VISION AND GOALS STILL YOUR PRIORITIES FOR THE CITY?

1.3 REPORT STUCTURE

The 2012 Community Consultation Report focuses on the Vision for the City and the Goals that comprise the Fairfi eld City Plan as refl ected in the following fi ve Themes:

Theme 1 Community Wellbeing

Theme 2 Places and Infrastructure

Theme 3 Environmental Sustainability

Theme 4 Local Economy and Employment

Theme 5 Good Governance and Leadership


The 2012 consultation was divided into the use of focus groups and an on-line/hard copy survey as the main consultation methods of engaging with the community to ensure that their views and aspirations are confi rmed in order to update the Fairfi eld City Plan 2012-2022.

To achieve a high level of input from the Fairfi eld City community, Council conducted, summarised and analysed information received from:

• 1,271 residents living in the Fairfield LGA completed Survey - of which, 14% (182) were completed on-line compared to 86% (1,089) completed in paper-based format; and

• 18 Focus Groups with hard to reach residents’ groups - who might have barriers in participating in the survey.

THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR VIEWS AND PRIORITIES FOR FAIRFIELD CITY.

2.1 THE SURVEYThe Survey was developed to collect information from people living in the LGA. Fairfi eld is one of the most culturally diverse areas in Australia with an approximate population of 187,766 (Census, 2011). Around 57.6% of Council’s residents are born overseas with only around 25.9% of its population speaking English. Fairfi eld City had the highest number of refugees who arrived as Humanitarian Entrants (n=5,451) and Family Visa (3,817) into Fairfi eld City in NSW during 1 April 2006 to 31 March 2011. Accordingly, the paper-based survey was translated in the top four less profi cient languages including: Arabic, Khmer, Vietnamese and Chinese (simplifi ed). The on-line survey was made available in multiple languages (around 64) through Google Translate.

AFRIKAANS ALBANIAN ARABIC ARMENIAN AZERBAIJANI BASQUE

BELARUSIAN BENGALI BULGARIAN CATALAN CHINESE (SIMPLIFIED)

CHINESE (TRADITIONAL)

CROATIAN CZECH DANISH DUTCH ESPERANTO ESTONIAN

FILIPINO FINNISH FRENCH GALICIAN GEORGIAN GERMAN

GREEK GUJARATI HAITIAN CREOLE

HEBREW HINDI HUNGARIAN

ICELANDIC INDONESIAN IRISH ITALIAN JAPANESE KANNADA

KOREAN LATIN LATVIAN LITHUANIAN MACEDONIAN MALAY

MALTESE NORWEGIAN PERSIAN POLISH PORTUGUESE ROMANIAN

RUSSIAN SERBIAN SLOVAK SLOVENIAN SPANISH SWAHILI

SWEDISH TAMIL TELUGU THAI TURKISH UKRAINIAN

URDU VIETNAMESE WELSH YIDDISH

The Survey was available in both paper and electronic formats from 13 March 2012 to 31 April 2012 and was completed by a total of 1,271 residents. All completed paper based Surveys were data entered into the electronic survey tool. Please refer to Attachment A for the complete Survey questionnaire.

2. METHODOLOGY


2.2 THE FOCUS GROUP

Focus Groups were conducted with hard to reach groups who might have barriers in participating in the Fairfi eld Residents’ Survey. Focus Groups were also conducted between March and April 2012 by Fairfi eld City Council staff. The same methodology was used for all Focus Groups allowing for exploration of ideas.

A single Focus Group session usually lasted around one hour and included 5 to 36 participants. The moderator made notes and tried to capture exact phrases and statements made by participants during the Focus Group.

Structured, open-ended questions were used. Questions were carefully selected and phrased in advance to elicit maximum responses by all participants. Please refer to Attachment B for the posed questions within the Focus Group sessions.


3.1 DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS

There were 1,271 completed or partially completed surveys. Of which, 14% (182) were completed on-line compared

to 86% (1,089) being completed in paper-based format.

GENDERRespondents comprised 807 (68.16%) female and 377 (31.84%) males with 87 respondents not indicate gender. This

was consistent with the 2010 survey with 64.28% and 35.72% respectively.

AGEFigure 1 shows the age structure of the survey respondents (n=1,211). Over half (53.92%, n=653) of the respondents were aged 26-55 years. 17.58% (n=213) of respondents were aged under 25 years while 29.31% (n=355) were aged over 56 years. This is refl ective of the Fairfi eld Community, with a notable under representation in the 19-25 year old

category. A total of 60 respondents did not indicate their age.

3. FINDINGS

FIGURE 1 – SURVEY RESPONDENTS AGE (n=1,211)


SUBURBRespondents were asked to specify the suburb of residence within the Local Government Area (LGA). Figure 2 indicates the number of Surveys completed for each of the 27 suburbs of Fairfi eld LGA. The largest single proportion of respondents live in Cabramatta 25.48% (n=300) followed by Fairfi eld 14.27% (n=168). Old Guilford had the least number of surveys returned (n=1). 94 respondents did not indicate their suburb and 81 respondents lived

outside Fairfi eld LGA.

FIGURE 2 – SURVEY RESPONDENTS FAIRFIELD LGA (n=1,177)


LANGUAGERespondents spoke 59 different languages, other than English, between them at home. Many of those respondents reported speaking more than one language. The three most prominent languages spoken at home as outlined in Table 1 were English (41.25%, n=580), Vietnamese (18.92%, n=266) and Khmer (5.97%, n=84). The range of respondents

is a direct refl ection of Fairfi eld City Council’s diversity.

LANGUAGE NUMBER OF RESPONDENTS

PERCENTAGE%

English 580 41.25

Vietnamese 266 18.92

Khmer 84 5.97

Chinese 67 4.77

Assyrian 65 4.62

Cantonese 64 4.55

Arabic 61 4.34

Spanish 39 2.77

Italian 25 1.78

Serbian 18 1.28

Croatian 13 -

Lao 12 -

Samoan 10 -

Chaldean 9 -

Mandarin 7 -

Maltese 7 -

Hindi 6 -

Tongan 6 -

Filipino 5 -

Indonesian 5 -

Turkish 4 -Armenian 3 -

Bosnian 3 -

Hakka 3 -

Lebanese 3 -Tagalong 3 -

Urdu 3 -

LANGUAGE NUMBER OF RESPONDENTS

PERCENTAGE%

Burmese 2 -

Cambodian 2 -

French 2 -

Hungarian 2 -

Polish 2 -

Albanian 1 -

Churchlow 1 -

Cuban 1 -

Japanese 1 -

Karen 1 -

Kildanian 1 -

Kurdish 1 -

Laotiane 1 -

Lithuanian 1 -

Macedonian 1 -

Maori 1 -

Persian 1 -Romanian 1 -Swahili 1 -

Swedish 1 -

Tamil 1 -

Teo Chiu 1 -Thai 1 -Tichu 1 -Timorese 1 -Ukraine 1 -

TABLE 1 – SURVEY RESPONDENTS LANGUAGES SPOKEN AT HOME (n=1,406)


3.2 FAIRFIELD CITY VISION

Residents were asked if they were happy with their shared Vision for the City: “We are Fairfi eld City - a welcoming, safe and diverse community where we are proud to belong, invest and prosper”. As outlined in Figure 3, the majority of the residents (88.29%) who participated in the Survey supported the existing Vision Statement with only 11.71% feeling that it did not adequately refl ect the City. Similarly, the fi ndings from all 18 Focus Groups confi rmed the level of the

satisfaction with the current Fairfi eld City’s Vision.

The Survey and Focus Groups respondents made few comments in relation to the current Vision. Their main suggestions included:

• Diverse suggests a divided community – we should be emphasising our cohesiveness and similarities

• ‘Caring’ is probably better than safe (since it somehow implies that it was once unsafe). Instead of invest and prosper, may be use the word ‘grow’ as it encompasses many things at different levels and layers

• Need to say something about living and caring and building community

• I would prefer to add healthy community

• Fairfield City should continue to invest in diversity and community pride/sense of belonging as this makes our City unique,

liveable and successful in both economic and social terms.I feel it is short sighted to aim for the fantastic ideals, without aiming also to be a united community. Unity does not need to overwhelm diversity.

• We ought to be an inclusive community. I suggest that we should be proud to live here, so the word ‘live’ also should be included.

• Proud to live and belong.

• Safer and cleaner should be first.

• I would like to feel proud of my community but it is currently not safe or clean. A clean and attractive place = pride. Community spirit and integrated community = welcoming. Less crime and feeling safe = less rubbish dumping = pride.

• Should have the word unified. The LGA is so different. Some areas get cleaned up and in others the grass is not mowed for months. There should be unity for the whole of the LGA. The word quality should be added. It is about service delivery.

With this feedback in mind, we believe the current shared Vision for Fairfi eld City is a good refl ection and description of our City.

“We are Fairfield City – a welcoming, safe and diverse community where we are proud to

belong, invest and prosper”.

FIGURE 3 – SURVEY RESPONDENTS SATISFACTION WITH CURRENT VISION (n=1,144)


3.3 THE PRIORITIES

In 2010, Council asked residents what their priorities are for Fairfi eld City, which resulted in three lists. In 2012, we asked residents to think again about the Vision and list the fi ve priorities to achieve the Vision.

1. Less crime and safety 11.38%

2. A clean and attractive place 9.97%

3. Better health services 6.13%

4. Less rubbish dumping 6.03%

5. Cleaner environment 6.05%

It should be noted that responses were fairly evenly spread across all areas and differences across priorities were small with less than 1.5% separating priority three from the 10th. Four out of the bottom fi ve priorities were identifi ed as areas of strength in Fairfi eld City in the 2010 consultation process. Other comments included better access and services especially for those with special needs. The results show that our community has a range of complex needs which is supported by demographic data.

FIGURE 4 – SURVEY RESPONDENTS PRIORITIES (n=1,271)


Results of the 18 Focus Groups, as per Figure 5, showed better health services and less crime and safety as equally the most important issues for Fairfi eld City, followed by more community services and facilities, more parking and more activities for the aged. As outlined in Figure 5, the most important priorities to achieve the vision from the Focus Groups were:

1. Better health services

2. Less crime and safety

3. More community services and facilities

4. More parking

5. More activities for the aged

These focus groups were based on smaller more targeted groups with results not as broad as the survey respondents. Even though the Focus Group results only represent a limited sample of the Community, they support the direction of the survey priorities.

In conclusion, the result from both the 18 focus groups and 1,271 surveys were fairly consistent with Less crime and safety and Better health services as their two top priorities

FIGURE 5 – FOCUS GROUPS RESPONDENTS PRIORITIES


3.4 THE GOALS

The 2010-2022 Fairfi eld City Plan is set around 5 Themes. The Themes break down into a series of ‘Goals’ outlining what we as the community of Fairfi eld City ‘want to see happen’ over the long term. Each goal has a series of Community Outcomes which describe what we want. Accompanying these is a series of strategies which identify some of the ways to achieve the community outcomes. To ensure we are reaching our desired destinations, we need to have in place a series of indicators and measures. These will let us know if our journey is on track and heading in the right direction.

The purpose of engaging with our community through focus groups and surveys is to assist us in reviewing and validating the identifi ed Goals in the 2010-2022 Fairfi eld City Plan. This is to ensure the community’s concerns and aspirations for the future of Fairfi eld City are contained in the Fairfi eld City Plan 2012-2022.

The main question asked for the 5 Themes and their related goals was:

DOES EACH GOAL REFLECT YOUR PRIORITIES FOR FAIRFIELD CITY IN 2022?

Community Outcomes

STRATEGIES

Theme 1Community Wellbeing

Indicators & Measures

Goals

Community Outcomes

STRATEGIES

Theme 2Places &

Infrastructure


Goals

Community Outcomes

STRATEGIES

Theme 3 Environmental Sustainability


Goals

Community Outcomes

STRATEGIES

Theme 4Local Economy &

Employment


Goals

Community Outcomes

STRATEGIES

Theme 5Good Governance

& Leadership


Goals

FUTURE DIRECTIONS

Community Vision“We are Fairfi eld City – a welcoming, safe and diverse community where

we are proud to belong, invest and prosper”


Community Wellbeing relates to the quality of life we enjoy when we live, work, play, shop or visit the Fairfi eld City area. It’s about a good relationship with our neighbours, the opportunities we have to meet our daily needs and achieve our ambitions, our sense of belonging, respect for the things we value, the support that’s available when we need it and the pride we feel in our diverse community and neighbourhoods.

The fi ve Goals that have been identifi ed by the community to achieve Theme 1 were reassessed and affi rmed the future of Fairfi eld City. The survey fi ndings are as follows:

The majority of the survey respondents agreed with the Community Wellbeing goals (71.75%-79.15%) and felt that it represented their values and aspirations. However, some felt that the word “opportunities” in Goal 5 needs further clarifi cation. Residents further identifi ed crime as the biggest social issue facing the City. As a result, many people felt unsafe and wished to see more police and more educational programs as a solution for the City. Another concern was the desire to have a clean and healthy city with equal distribution of Council services amongst its suburbs.

Residents also valued their ability to retain and be proud of sharing, valuing and respecting the City’s diversity, culture and heritage. This is expressed through artistic and cultural projects and programs for an enhanced quality of life.

FIGURE 6 – SURVEY RESPONSE TO THEME 1 GOALS

THEME ONECOMMUNITY WELLBEING


WHAT IS COMMUNITY WELLBEING?

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Goal 1. Sharing values and respect for our diversity, culture and heritage

Goal 2. Being healthy and active

Goal 3. Enjoying a good standard of living and enhanced quality of life

Goal 4. Being safe and law-abiding

Goal 5. Having access to opportunities

Maybe

Dislike

Like


THEME TWOPLACES and INFRASTRUCTURE

WHAT ARE PLACES AND INFRASTRUCTURE?

Places and Infrastructure are the buildings, facilities, open space, town centres, roads, footpaths, public transport and all other built structures that we use to meet our day to day and future needs. The availability of places and infrastructure in the community enables services to be provided and therefore contributes to our wellbeing. The quality of our places and infrastructure creates a fi rst impression for visitors to our city and helps shape the care and pride we take in our area.

The fi ve Goals that have been identifi ed by the community to achieve Theme 2 were reassessed and affi rmed the future of Fairfi eld City. The survey fi ndings are as follows:

The majority of the survey respondents agreed with the Places and Infrastructure goals (averaging 72.60%) and felt that it represented what they wanted in Fairfi eld City. Some believed that Goal 1 required further attention and focus by setting realistic expectations through achievable indicators and measures. Residents want to see the outcome of a clean and attractive City through its streets, roads and public places and not through the over-development of residential areas and sky rises (tower buildings). Residents also identifi ed affordable housing, improved shopping centres, better roads, enhanced health services and availability of disability access as the major needs for the City.

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80%

Goal 1. Our City is a clean and attractive place where we take pride in our diverse character

Goal 2. Buildings and infrastructure meet the changing standards, needs and growth of our

community

Goal 3. Our City is accessible

Goal 4. Our City has quality public spaces as well as entertainment, leisure and recreation

opportunities

Goal 5. We minimise the impacts from natural events and disasters

Maybe

Dislike

Like



THEME THREEENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

Our local environment and natural resources defi ne our City and contribute to our wellbeing. In turn, our activities impact the quality and viability of many species and fi nite resources. Increasing awareness of environmental challenges such as climate change and water shortages has increased the pressure for protection and management of our bushland, local wildlife and waterways. Environmental Sustainability is important at the local and global level and for the health and wellbeing of future generations.

The three Goals that have been identifi ed by the community to achieve Theme 3 were reassessed and affi rmed the future of Fairfi eld City. The survey fi ndings are as follows:

The majority of the survey respondents agreed with the Environmental Sustainability goals 1 and 3 (77.18% and 71.52% respectively) apart from Goal 2 which rated 59.80%. Some of the common comments provided by our residents on Goal 2 and climate change specifi cally are:

• Climate change is not the responsibility of local Councils

• It is not within Council’s control, but rather a natural cycle

• Not sure about the wording of “climate change”

• Climate change too far-fetched. More urgent goals are the priority e.g. health services

• Much of this should be State or Federal Government responsibility

Respondents also valued education around Environmental Sustainability through the better use of fl ood plans, water tanks, solar panels, tree planting and creek cleaning as well as the improved management of illegal rubbish dumping.

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%

Goal 1. Protecting and enhancing our natural environment

Goal 2. Contributing to actions that address climate change

Goal 3. Supporting sustainable activities and development

Maybe

Dislike

Like


WHAT IS ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY?


THEME FOURLOCAL ECONOMY and EMPLOYMENT

WHAT IS LOCAL ECONOMY AND EMPLOYMENT?

The businesses and industries in Fairfi eld City and the surrounding areas provide goods and services as well as local employment opportunities. The shopping centres not only provide a range of products and services, they are also important meeting places and often represent the identity of their suburb. The Smithfi eld-Wetherill Park industrial area is one of the largest industrial estates in Australia and therefore a major employer, traffi c generator and economic powerhouse. Higher than average levels of unemployment, especially youth unemployment, place increased importance on access to education and training.


The Local Economy and Employment goals were supported by the respondents (72.07%-77.18%). The vibrant mix of industry areas, shopping centres and restaurants were identifi ed as one of the best things about Fairfi eld City. The respondents further commented that the City would benefi t from more shopping centres with better quality shops and a larger industrial zone to provide better employment opportunities.

Residents re-affi rmed that the major barriers to participating in training and employment are language and the scarcity in employment opportunities within Fairfi eld LGA.

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%

Goal 1. A range of employment opportunities and a workforce with a variety of skills

Goal 2. Having Vibrant, safe and attractive places for shopping and access to services

Goal 3. Prosperous businesses, industries and services

Maybe

Dislike

Like



THEME FIVEGOOD GOVERNANCE and LEADERSHIP

WHAT IS GOOD GOVERNANCE AND LEADERSHIP?

As a democracy, we want our leaders to listen to us, represent our views with integrity and strive to achieve for the good of the community. Decision making, especially in the public sector, must be transparent, objective and accountable. Good governance and leadership ensures the community has access to information and participates in the development of policies and decisions that affect them. Across all sectors of our community we look for a high standard of ethics, justice and honesty to be refl ected in the actions and behaviour of individuals, organisations, businesses and governments.


71.20%-73.88% of the survey respondents agreed with the Good Governance and Leadership goals. Additional comments were provided by respondents on Goal 3 “Our City has a good reputation for equity and fairness” in seeking better transparency. Respondents further recommended free educational sessions on governance so to better understand Council’s decision making processes. Accordingly, more communication, consultation and engagement with the community reinforce a good reputation for Council and accordingly, more fairness for its community members.

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80%

Goal 1. We are well represented and governed where all act ethically and in the

interest of the community

Goal 2. All have a voice and the opportunity to participate

Goal 3. Our City has a good reputation for equity and fairness

Maybe

Dislike

Like



4. SUMMARY OUTCOME


As identifi ed in the 2012 Community Engagement Strategy, Council undertook a comprehensive consultation in 2010, to inform the Fairfi eld City Plan 2010-2020. This involved surveys (both residents and businesses), a series of focus groups with residents, government departments, community organisations, schools and youth representatives, a web feedback form and youth event. 1775 residents took the opportunity to have a say on what they felt was important to the community and where they believe Fairfi eld City should be heading.

The IPR Framework usually requires the Fairfi eld City Plan to be reviewed every four years. However, due to the introduction of the Legislation, this time, the review is required in a two year timeframe. Due to the 2010 comprehensive consultations occurring with community members, the 2012 Community Engagement Strategy undertook a number of focus groups and on-line surveys as the main ways of engaging with the community to re-affi rm that these were still their aspirations and priorities for the future.

The results of the 2012 Community Engagement have re-affi rmed the 2010 Community Engagement results with no changes to the Vision, Goals and Priorities for Fairfi eld City.

THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR VIEWS AND PRIORITIES FOR FAIRFIELD CITY

ATTACHMENT A – SURVEY FORM


Fairfi eld City Council is developing the Fairfi eld City Plan for 2012-2022. The Plan lists the community’s Vision and goals for the City, including those that are the job of the Federal and State Governments and the not for profi t and private sectors.

In 2010, Council did a broad consultation to inform the Fairfi eld City Plan 2010-2020. 1,775 residents took the opportunity to have a say on what they felt was important for the City, helping to defi ne priorities for the future of our City.

What suburb do you live in?

How old are you? Are you male or female?

What language do you speak at home?

We would like you to let us know if the Vision and goals are still your priorities for the City. Please complete the attached survey or complete online at www.ourfairfi eldcity.com.au

1. Do you like or dislike the current VISION for Fairfi eld City:

A welcoming, safe and diverse community where we are proud to belong, invest and prosper O Like O Dislike

Comments or suggestions

2. What are the fi ve priorities which will help us achieve our Vision. Please tick only fi ve

O A clean and attractive place O Improved roads

O Access to amenity and services O Improved shopping centres

O Access to schools / universities / colleges & TAFE O Less crime and feeling safe

O Better Health Services O Less rubbish dumping

O Better Public Transport O More activities for aged

O Cleaner environment O More activities for children and youth

O Community spirit and integrated community O More community services and facilities

O Embracing diversity and multiculturalism O More employment and training opportunities

O Friendly people and family O More parking

O Improved parks and more open space and cycleways O Other please specify

“OUR FAIRFIELD CITY, YOUR SAY”

.


COMMUNITY WELLBEING - Fairfield City will………………

• Have shared values and respect for our diversity, culture and heritage O Like O Dislike O Maybe

• Be healthy and active O Like O Dislike O Maybe

• Enjoy a good standard of living and enhanced quality of life O Like O Dislike O Maybe

• Be safe and law abiding O Like O Dislike O Maybe

• Have increased opportunities for our community O Like O Dislike O Maybe

Comments

PLACES AND INFRUSTRUCTURE - Fairfield City will………………

• Have buildings and infrastructure that meets the changing needs and growth of its community

O Like O Dislike O Maybe

• Our City is clean and attractive where we take pride in our diverse character O Like O Dislike O Maybe

• Be accessible O Like O Dislike O Maybe

• Have quality public spaces as well as entertainment, leisure and recreation opportunities


• Minimise impacts from natural events and disasters O Like O Dislike O Maybe

Comments

PLACES AND INFRUSTRUCTURE - Fairfield City will………………

• Protect and improve our natural environment O Like O Dislike O Maybe

• Contribute to the actions that address climate change O Like O Dislike O Maybe

• Supporting sustainable activities and development O Like O Dislike O Maybe

Comments

3D. LOCAL ECONOMY AND EMPLOYMENT - Fairfield City will………………

• Have a range of employment opportunities and a workforce with a variety of skills


• Have vibrant, safe and attractive places for shopping and access to services O Like O Dislike O Maybe

• Have prosperous businesses, industries and services O Like O Dislike O Maybe

Comments

3E. GOOD GOVERNANCE AND LEADERSHIP - Fairfield City will………………

• We are well represented and governed where we all act ethically and in the interest of the community


• All have a voice and the opportunity to participate O Like O Dislike O Maybe

• Our City has a good reputation for equity and fairness O Like O Dislike O Maybe

Comments

For further information, please contact Amanda Bray on 9725 0222. Copies available in Vietnamese, Chinese, Arabic and Khmer.

PLEASE RETURN COMPLETED SURVEYS BY THE 31 MARCH 2012: Post to: Mrs Amanda Bray • Fairfield City Council Administration Building PO Box 21 Fairfield NSW 1860

Drop off at: • Early Learning Centres • Libraries • Leisure Centres Thank you


ATTACHMENT B – FOCUS GROUP NOTE TAKING FORM

Instructions: Please use this form to record the proceedings of the focus group. Notes should be extensive and accurately refl ect the content of the discussion.

Date:

Location:

Name of Group:

Type Group:

Facilitator:

Note Taker:

1. VISION

Ask participants if they think this statement correctly describes Fairfi eld. Do they have any comments or suggestions?

2. AREAS OF DEVELOPMENT FOR FAIRFIELD CITY

Ask Participants to think about fi ve things they think need to be improved in Fairfi eld City. Ask them to write these on post it notes (one improvement per post it note).

Once fi nished ask participants to place their priorities on the priority scale. At the front (See Attached). Summaries the groups top fi ve priorities.

Summaries fi ve key priorities – and list all results including number of responses

3. GOALS FOR THE CITY

The City Plan is set around fi ve themes. Each theme has a number of goals which set out the direction you want to see for the City. I am going to show you the gaols for each them.

Does the goal set out specifi c directions we want to see the City heading in the future. Do you have any comments or suggestions?

Record discussion for each Gaol.


3A. COMMUNITY WELLBEING

Fairfield City will………………

• Have shared values and respect for our diversity, culture and heritage

• Be healthy and active

• Enjoy a good standard of living and enhanced quality of life

• Be safe and law abiding

• Have increased opportunities for our community

3B. PLACES AND INFRUSTRUCTURE


• Have buildings and infrastructure that meets the changing needs and growth of its community

• Our City is clean and attractive where we take pride in our diverse character

• Be accessible

• Have quality public spaces as well as entertainment, leisure and recreation opportunities

• Minimise impacts from natural events and disasters

3C. PLACES AND INFRUSTRUCTURE


• Protect and improve our natural environment

• Contribute to the actions that address climate change

• Supporting sustainable activities and development

3D. LOCAL ECONOMY AND EMPLOYMENT


• Have a range of employment opportunities and a workforce with a variety of skills

• Have vibrant, safe and attractive places for shopping and access to services

• Have prosperous businesses, industries and services

3E. GOOD GOVERNANCE AND LEADERSHIP


• We are well represented and governed where we all act ethically and in the interest of the community

• All have a voice and the opportunity to participate

• Our City has a good reputation for equity and fairness

4. ANY OBSERVATIONS OR ANY OTHER COMMENTS


For more information and specifi c meeting dates/time:Council’s website: www.fairfi eldcity.nsw.gov.au

Call us on 9725 0222 or fax us on 9725 4249Write to us at PO Box 21, Fairfi eld NSW 1860

Email us at mail@fairfi eldcity.nsw.gov.auwww.facebook.com/fairfi eldcity

www.twitter.com/fairfi eldcity

2012 community consultation report-final filethe 2012 community engagement strategy reviewed and...

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